OVERVIEW

Libretto by Eliška Krásnohorská (1847–1926)
Musical preparation Marek Šedivý
Stage director Jiří Nekvasil

 

The Kiss is the sixth opera by Bedřich Smetana. This brilliant Czech composer had been already deaf when he composed the piece. The plot is not complicated at all. A young widower Lukáš, who has a kid, is supposed to marry Vendulka, but they both are stubborn. As soon as they meet, they argue about the kiss, which Vendulka does not want to give to Lukáš in honour to the deceased. Lukáš comes under Vendulka’s windows with other girls to humiliate her. In the end, he regrets and apologizes to Vendulka. She forgives him and wants to kiss him, but it is Lukáš who turns his head. Finally, they fall into each other's arms. The Kiss is one of Smetana's most popular operas, the NDM has already staged ten times. It was often played during the occupation as its "Czechness" helped to maintain national consciousness. When Czech theatres reopened after the war, the Ostrava ensemble began on 19 May, 1945, right with this particular opera – and The Bartered Bride followed a few weeks later.